Would You Be Better Off Claiming Universal Credit?

When thinking about childcare costs, most families are aware of the funded hours available for 3 and 4 year olds.

What is less widely understood is that this is only one part of the support available. There are several different schemes, and some of them continue well beyond the early years.

For families considering Chartham Holistic Kindergarten, this can be particularly relevant.

Childcare at Chartham Holistic Kindergarten

Chartham Holistic Kindergarten supports children from babyhood up to age 6.

Families who join us do not all follow the same path:

• some children move into mainstream school
• some are home educated
• but most continue their education right next door at The Lightroot Hub, which offers a similar Steiner-inspired approach from age 6 to 16

Because this sits outside the standard UK school system, it is often assumed that funding options are limited.

In practice, that is not necessarily the case.

Funded Childcare (15–30 Hours)

Government-funded childcare is widely presented as something for 3 and 4 year olds:

• 15 hours per week for all families
• up to 30 hours per week for eligible working families

But what is often missed is this:

it doesn’t actually stop at age 4.

The funding continues until the end of the term after your child turns 5.

In practice, that means many children are still eligible for funded hours well into their fifth year—something that is rarely emphasised.

For children remaining at Chartham Holistic Kindergarten beyond age 4, this can still apply for part of their time with us.

Universal Credit and Childcare Costs

For families who are eligible for Universal Credit, childcare support can be significant.

You may be able to claim:

• up to 85% of your childcare costs

This support is not limited to the early years.

It can continue:

• while your child attends Chartham Holistic Kindergarten (up to age 6)
• and beyond, until the age of 16

For some families, this is the most substantial form of financial support available.

For example:
If your childcare costs were £400 per month, Universal Credit could cover up to £340, leaving £60 to pay.

Tax-Free Childcare

Tax-Free Childcare is available to working families who meet the eligibility criteria.

• for every £8 paid in, the government contributes £2
• up to £2,000 per year per child
• available until age 11 (or 17 for children with additional needs)

For example:
If your childcare costs were £400 per month, you would pay £320, and the government would contribute £80 through Tax-Free Childcare.

Am I Likely to Be Eligible?

As a general guide:

• If you are working (including self-employed), you may be eligible for Tax-Free Childcare (available from birth up to age 11, or 17 if your child has additional needs) or funded hours (available from 9 months up to the term after your child turns 5)
• If you are on a lower income or receiving support, you may be eligible for Universal Credit, which can help with childcare costs from early years up to age 16
• If your child is aged 3–5, funded hours are more widely available even if you are not working.

Each scheme has its own criteria, but many families are eligible for at least one form of support.

How to Get Started

If you are not sure what applies to you, a good place to begin is:

The Government Online Childcare Calculator:

https://www.gov.uk/childcare-calculator

Understanding the Full Picture

It is common for families to focus only on funded hours and assume that support ends once their child reaches school age.

However, depending on your circumstances, support may include:

• funded childcare up to age 5
• Tax-Free Childcare contributions
• ongoing support through Universal Credit

Importantly, these forms of support are based on childcare use and family circumstances … not on whether your child follows a mainstream school pathway.

Making an Informed Decision

Choosing childcare is a significant decision, and cost is naturally part of that.

Chartham Holistic Kindergarten offers:

• a play-based, Steiner-inspired environment
• exemptions from some parts of the EYFS including phonics, formal maths and target driven child assessments.
• a strong connection to nature
• continuity of care up to age 6
• a seamless transition into the next stage, whether that is home education, Lightroot Hub, or mainstream school

Understanding the funding options available allows families to consider these choices with a clearer view of what may be possible.

Further Information

Funding eligibility varies depending on individual circumstances.

If you have assumed that this kind of childcare would not be affordable, it is worth checking what you might be entitled to as many families are surprised by the level of support available.

If you are considering a place at Chartham Holistic Kindergarten and would like to talk through your options, we are happy to help.

Contact

• info@charthamhk.co.uk
• 01227 640770
• 07396 975313
• www.charthamhk.co.uk